Report Card/Exit Interview: Lamar Odom
It's difficult to imagine that Lamar Odom could someday have a tougher year as a pro than the one he just finished. The tragedy of losing his infant son in the offseason was compounded by an injury riddled regular season, a disappointing record and quick playoff exit. On the court, Odom was playing arguably the best basketball of his career in November (18.3/8.2/5.0 in November) before suffering a knee injury on December 12th in Houston. He came back after missing 21 games, but wasn't quite the same guy, reverting to the more inconsistent, too-often-unassertive L.O. that has frustrated fans and coaches throughout his career. The year got tougher still when Odom tore the labrum in his shooting shoulder, costing him five more games and limiting his ability to knock down jumpers for the rest of the year. Still, Odom established himself as a team leader, someone unafraid to say when he felt the collective effort wasn't enough, always while pointing the first finger at himself and his mistakes. And in the postseason, L.O. tried to pick up his game, recording five double-doubles and hitting the glass hard (two 16 rebound games).
It's hard to grade out Odom, given how banged up he was by the end of the year (the dude looked practically mummified during pregame warmups in the playoffs). And on a personal level, I admire how hard Odom played, and his continuous refusal to use his injuries as an excuse for off nights. On a Laker team short on talent and even shorter on the type of chutzpah necessary to overcome it, nobody can accuse Odom of not leaving whatever he had out on the court. Argue about his aggressiveness, argue about his consistency, but it's hard to criticize his effort. GRADE: B, and it could have been higher, had the injury bug not hit so hard.
EXIT INTERVIEW:
Odom was clearly still carrying around the playoff disappointment last week, not surprising since he's a guy who tends to absorb rather than deflect blame and responsibility. He'll likely require surgery on his shoulder, and perhaps his knee as well. While he understands the situation in terms of the need for the team to make changes and improve, Odom said he's not worrying about it. "My job is to go out and play basketball as hard as I can, to my fullest potential." Still, he was clear that he wants to stay here. "This is the team I want to retire with," Odom said. It was also interesting to hear him talk about how the team can improve. Most involved the intangibles of team building. "We can work. We can become closer as a team. Work together, eat together. Do all of the smaller things that it's going to take to win a championship." Injuries, he said, took a major toll on that. It's hard for guys going in and out of the lineup to find their place, to figure out how they fit in.
"This one was a little long to me," Odom said of this year. "I felt like I played great at times, but I wish I didn't have to get hurt. That first knee injury I had in December took something out of me a little bit." Add on the emotional burden he carried around, and it's not hard to see why Odom might welcome a little time away. Once he's back to it, it'll again be about improving his right hand, "but there won't be one thing this summer that I won't work on, whether it's my right hand or getting stronger, or increasing my conditioning."
As for next year, "I know they want me to score. I might be catching the ball closer to the basket." That mentality of making sure he gets his shots and his points is still one that doesn't come naturally to him. "I think people want to see me be aggressive on the offensive end," he said. "I try to play the game of basketball and not just score, but if that's what the people (meaning basically everyone he talks to about hoops, in and out of the organization) want to see, I guess they can expect that a little bit more from me next season."
Download lamar_odom_exit_interview.mp3
BK
HOSTAGE UPDATE: DAY (9)
DAY 9 GARNETT HELD HOSTAGE BY MINNESOTA FOR RANSOM BY LAKERS.
SBPimp offered his help in the hostage negotiations, but was turned down by
Mr. Kupchak who said he does not want any help from Pimps to which Mr. SBPimp
Replied “I don’t give help to Punks.” Meanwhile the only comment from Dr. Buss is
“The Sun sets in the West.”
Crowds are threatening to storm the Staple Center if the KG negotiations are not
successful. But Kupchak says he has an ace in the hole in that he will soon anounce
a Blockbuster free agent signing. In a related note hot free agent
Smush Parker was seen leaving Kupchaks office with a huge smirk on his
face and Kupchak was heard to mumble “I don’t deal with terroist the
guarding of Smush is paramount."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Kwame Brown is still looking for the headband he lost in the Phoenix series and
has offered a sizeable reward for its return. Fans have taken up a collection
and are offering a second reward for the return of Kwames game.
CORRECTION: The Fans reward offer for the return of Kwames game
has been withdrawn. It appears that Mr. Brown never had any game.
HEADBAND UPDATE: It appears Kwame’s headband was never lost after all.
Check the Bandage on Steve Nash’s nose. Yes, you’re absolutely right!
That is Kwame’s headband on Nash’s nose.and you know what that means?
Yes, Yes, Kwame and Nash are now Blood Brothers.
AND THAT’S THE REST OF THE STORY
FINALLY: The amazingly popular SMUSH PARKER EXIT INTERVIEW by AK and BK
which received 1 million hits on the web, has been picked up by Hollywood and a
movie will be made from it. Arnold from the sitcom Different strokes is rumored to be
the choice to play Smush. Kwame Brown will be played by Fat Albert. Captain Kangaroo
has been rumored to be in the lead to play Phil Jackson, though Phil is said to be holding out
For Mr. Rogers. Kobe Bryant will play himself – no pun intended.
THATS ALL THE NEWS FIT TO PRINT AT THIS TIME: FOR ROUND-THE-CLOCK
PURPLE AND GOLD WITH ANDREW AND BRIAN KAMENETZKY read THE LAKERS BLOG
ROLL CALL:
FAITH, KEIFO, FATTY, MITCHELL, KIWI, RespectMyAuthorith, Edwin Gueco, TIM-4-SHOW, RICK FRIEDMAN
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SBPimp, MIKE T. LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, DAVID WHANG, VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, Tha Show, KL BEAST
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LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
\
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 10, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Keep in mind the possible surgery for both Lamar and Kwame will cancel any trade value until next season.
Let's instead plan on how to readjust what we have and who we can sign, instead of these blockbuster ideas. That is where Mitch will either make or miss in his job.
Posted by: Craig W. | May 10, 2007 at 12:41 PM
it should be a B+ at least. I am so proud of the way Lamar played this season, especially in the playoffs. One of the few bright spots in our season. Made me proud to be a Laker fan. We cannot trade Lamar. I would rather see kobe go than lamar.
Posted by: Gabe | May 10, 2007 at 12:43 PM
TreacherousBalloons ,
Pau is a proven winner. His Spainard team did win the World basketball last year, where the US team came in third. And Pau was the leader of the Spainish team, so I will say he is a winner, and he did consistenly get the grizzles into the playoffs.
Posted by: wow | May 10, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Not that this matters right now or even the future but this was in today's rumor central on ESPN
"WHO WHAT THE SKINNY
Detroit 2006 NBA Draft Stealing Samb
May 10 - Tony Ronzone, Detroit's director of basketball operations, brought back photos of Cheick Samb to show how much he has grown.
"I showed the pictures to Arnie Kander, (Detroit's strength and conditioning coach)," Ronzone said. "The first thing he said to me was, `Is that (Denver Nuggets power forward) Nene?'"
During last June's NBA draft, the Pistons traded Maurice Evans to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Samb, who was chosen with the No. 51 overall pick.
"At (51), I know we stole him," Ronzone said. "That's a huge get for us." -- Booth Newspapers
Posted by: btbear9 | May 10, 2007 at 01:01 PM
Lamar makes me sad.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | May 10, 2007 at 01:07 PM
Gabe that was the dumbest post i have ever seen.
thanks for the stupidity retard.
Posted by: Jo | May 10, 2007 at 01:09 PM
Exit Interview Outtakes
Lamar Odom
Note: Honestly, the guy has had a tough enough year, so I decided to go easy on him.
G1: Lamar, I'd like to begin by saying that I think you're a great guy.
LO: [smiling] Well damn. Thanks, man.
G1: In fact, I think that we should go hit the clubs sometime. You down?
LO: Oh, you know it!
G1: Sweet. Think we can get Sheed to hang out?
LO: [laughing] Oh, he's always up for hittin the town.
G1: Well, let's get at it, man.
LO: Aight. Lemme get Sheed on the line.
Note: At this point I exited the building with Lamar while the press looked on in disbelief. A limo met us outside packed with girls and massive amounts of booze and we drove off to LAX to pick up Sheed, who had brought Mad Dog. I can't really talk about the rest of the evening, but I will say that Ronny met up with us and things got super confidential awesome and we witnessed the forming of The Ronny & Mad Dog: Super Energy Dance Action Team Excitement Duo (or S.E.D.A.T.E.D. for short). Oh, boy... you guys sure did miss out. But you can look forward to their stories this summer, coming to a blog near you!
************************************************************
And here's the rest! Kobe & Phil still left!
Aaron McKie
G1: Mr. McKie, what would you say was your most integral role on the team?
AM: Uh, well, I’d say that I was able to provide some leadership to the guys. I really didn’t get to play much, but in practice I talked to them a lot more. On the bench, too.
G1: What would you talk to them about?
AM: Well, you know… just where they should have been on a play, what to watch for the next time they went down the court. That sort of thing.
G1: [pausing]
[the audience starts to mumble a bit while waiting for the next question]
G1: [snickering and shaking head] I’m sorry… I really apologize, but I’m drawing a blank here. Which team did you play for this season?
AM: [blinking a few times in disbelief] The Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers.
G1: Oh, oh that’s right. Sorry.
********************************************************************
Shammond Williams
Note: I’m not sure why I kept calling him “Shammond Williams.” I guess I thought it sounded funny, or something.
G1: Shammond Williams, how would you say that playing in Europe prepared you for your return to the NBA?
SW: [laughing] Well, I’m not really sure that it did. It’s a whole different game out there. They rely on a lot more outside shooting. I guess I picked up some different languages while I was there, so it helps me in that regard.
G1: What regard, Shammond Williams?
SW: Well, there’s a whole lot of European players in the league right now, so it helps that way.
G1: Ah, I gotcha, Shammond Williams. Shammond Williams, what do they call “basketball” in Paris?
SW: [laughing] Paris? I didn’t actually play there, but when I was around they called it “basketball” but you know, with an accent.
G1: Oh, really?
SW: Yeah. And you know what they call a... a... a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris?
G1: They don't call it a Quarter Pounder with cheese?
SW: No man, they got the metric system. They wouldn't know what the [bleep] a Quarter Pounder is.
G1: Then what do they call it?
SW: They call it a Royale with cheese.
G1: A Royale with cheese. What do they call a Big Mac?
SW: Well, a Big Mac's a Big Mac, but they call it le Big-Mac.
G1: Le Big-Mac. [laughing] What do they call a Whopper?
SW: I dunno, I didn't go into Burger King.
********************************************************************
Chris Mihm
G1: Chris, I’d like to say first off that I really admire your ability to circumvent the rehabilitation process by remaining perpetually injured.
CM: Uh… thanks, I think. Wait, what?
G1: Chris, what is going to be your biggest priority going into the off-season?
CM: No, what did you say before?
G1: When?
CM: Before.
G1: What is going to be your biggest priority going into the off-season?
CM: No, before.
G1: Chris?
CM: About injury… INJURY!
G1: You were injured, right.
CM: Yeah, what did you say about that?
G1: Didn’t you just bring that up?
CM: No, you did!
G1: When?
CM: Look, can we just move on please.
G1: Chris, what can we…
CM: [interrupting] No, not you. Someone else.
********************************************************************
Brian Cook
G1: Hi, Brian. If you could think of one thing that could explain why Mitch Kupchak picked you over Josh Howard, what would it be?
[Mitch Kupchak leans over and whispers in Brian’s ear]
BC: I don’t… I don’t think I should have to answer that.
G1: Touchy subject?
BC: Yeah, kinda.
G1: Sorry, then.
BC: It’s alright, man. Just ask something else.
G1: Brian, if you could think of one thing that could explain why Mitch Kupchak picked you over Leandro Barbosa, what would it be?
MK: Brian doesn’t have anything to say about that. Let’s ah… let’s take a 10 minute break and then come back.
Note: At this point, I decided it would be best to slip out the back for a smoke because I noticed Mitch heading in my direction with a couple of guys from security. Fortunately for all of you, I had brought a change of clothes, a fake mustache and some aviator sun glasses so I could continue with my questions. Unfortunately, they decided that Brian’s turn was over.
********************************************************************
Vlad Radmanovic
G1: Vlad… can I call you Caveman?
VR: [laughing] I don’t think that would be a good idea.
G1: Okay, thanks.
VR: [pausing] That was it?
G1: Yeah, why?
VR: Well, I expected something about snowboarding or something.
G1: No, no. That was it.
Kwame Brown: [from the back] Why’d you jump off that mountain?
G1: [looking back towards Kwame] Why’d you throw that cake?
Note: That was why people were laughing, AK & BK. Just FYI, this isn’t the cake incident I mentioned. It got worse in Kwame's actual interview.
********************************************************************
Andrew Bynum
G1: Mr. Morgan, on “30 Rock” you…
AB: [interrupting] Mr. Who?
G1: Mr. Morgan? Tracy Morgan?
AB: [pointing at himself] Andrew. Andrew… Bynum.
G1: Oh.
AB: Did you… have a question?
G1: No. Not anymore, I don’t.
********************************************************************
Mo Evans
G1: Mo, what’s it like working with Tracy Morgan?
ME: I’m sorry, what?
G1: [pointing at Andrew Bynum] That guy… Tracy Morgan.
ME: That’s not Tracy Morgan.
G1: Oh, I get it now. This is like a joke. Alright, I’ll play along.
ME: No, that’s not a joke… it’s Andrew Bynum.
G1: I know, I know! Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. Say no more.
Note: Obviously, the Lakers don’t want us to know that Tracy Morgan is really playing for them.
********************************************************************
Jordan Farmar
G1: Jordan, what kind of frustration did you experience having to back up Smush Parker every night?
JF: [laughing] I wouldn’t call it frustration at all. He’s a great guy, and… he plays hard every night.
G1: [rolling eyes] Yeah, right. C’mon, what do you really think?
JF: Look, I really can’t talk about that.
G1: Okay, if you’re happy with playing with him, don’t say anything after this next question. AND… if you think he’s extremely awful, say anything you want after this next question. Got it?
JF: Uh… yeah, I think.
G1: Thanks.
JF: Wait, was that the question?
G1: You’ve said all you needed to.
********************************************************************
Sasha Vujacic
G1: Where are you from, originally?
SV: [laughing] Shouldn't you know this?
G1: Well yeah, but just humor me.
SV: Alright. I'm from Slovenia.
G1: If it's 10:30am here, do you know what time it is there?
SV: [thinking] 7:30pm?
G1: Right. And what time do you usually practice?
SV: In the morning?
G1: When do you hit the most shots, at practice or during a game?
SV: [laughing] Well, in practice it seems.
G1: So, if you lived in Los Angeles, but switched around your sleep patterns so that you were on Slovenian time which would make it seem like 7:30pm here was 10:30am...
SV: [laughing] Wait, what?
G1: If you slept during the day and woke up at 12 noon, then... wait. If you went to sleep at 7:30 every... no, that's not right. Look, if you practiced at 4am in Slovenia and then flew here to Los Angeles for games...
SV: [interrupting]I'm confused.
G1: You and me both, dude.
SV: You started it, idiot.
G1: "Sasha" is a girly name.
Note: Sasha didn't actually retort after that at all, he just sat there looking a little dejected. I think his eyes welled up a little, though.
********************************************************************
Ronny Turiaf
RT: NEXT QUESTION!! YOU! WITH THE MOUSTACHE AND AVIATOR SUNGLASSES!
G1: [looking around] Uh, me?
RT: YES, YOU.
G1: Oh, right. Uh, Ronny..
RT: [interrupting]FROM NOW ON YOU WILL REFER TO ME AS TURIAFINATOR.
G1: Right, sorry. Turiafinator, where would you say your tremendous energy comes from?
RT: THE SPILLED BLOOD OF WARRIORS THAT I SLAUGHTER IN BATTLE.
G1: I'm sorry, the what?
RT: SPILLED BLOOD. WARRIORS.
G1: Oh, oookay. What are your goals for the summer?
RT: TO CRUSH MY ENEMIES, SEE THEM DRIVEN BEFORE ME, AND TO HEAR THE LAMENTATION OF THEIR WOMEN. ALL IN THE NAME OF CROM. THE SUNS ARE INFIDEL DEFILERS. THEY SHALL ALL DROWN IN LAKES OF BLOOD.
G1: Crom, you mean like from Con...
RT: [interrupting]SILENCE!
G1: ...
RT: I WILL ALSO ATTEND A VARIETY OF DANCE CLASSES AND TEACH ART CLASSES FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD. PERHAPS I WILL GIVE THEM THE PUPPIES I STEAL FROM MY FALLEN ENEMIES.
G1: Dance cla...
RT: [interrupting] SILENCE! NEXT QUESTION!
********************************************************************
Luke Walton
G1: Hey, Luke... I am your father.
LW: [laughing] Real original, dude.
G1: No, seriously. You can't tell?
LW: [puzzled] What are you talking about?
G1: I'm Bill... you know, "Pops." The best passing big man to never play more than two seasons in the NBA?
LW: ...
G1: I know I look different, but... well, you seen that Doctor Who show?
LW: Uh, not really.
G1: Well, the Doctor keeps coming back with different faces whenever he dies, and you know, it's one of those things.
LW: What?
G1: I'll prove it. I bet you noticed that there are 52 members of the press in here, well, today marks the 52nd anniversary of the day that James Dean refilmed the cult movie "Oxycontin Drama Queens," which, by the way, made $5.1 thousand dollars in its debut weekend.
LW: Well, that sounds like something he'd say, but..
G1: [interrupting] I counted eleven BMWs on my way through the parking lot, which coincidentally is the number of stripes on the Himalayan Mountain Climbing Club's flag. Recently they were sponsored by the Manchu Monk Snowshoe Co., but there's been some drama over there after the Club Chairman told the Shoe company's President "Gunga galunga... gunga, gunga-galunga."
LW: This is getting really weird.
G1: Luke, you're an awful basketball player.
LW: Whaaa??? DAAAADDD???!?! IT'S YOU!!!
G1: Kidding. Had you going there, didn't I?
Note: At this point, Luke just sat sobbing with his head in his hands. Talk about awkward.
********************************************************************
Smush Parker
G1: If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to ask you a series of four questions. Each of these questions has two choices of a one word answer.
SP: Okay.
G1: Is your nickname "Smush" or "Smash?"
SP: [laughing] Smush.
G1: Cool, okay. Second question: Is or isn't Phil Jackson your coach?
SP: He is.
G1: "Is" or "isn't?"
SP: [laughing] Sorry, is.
G1: Kittens: "Aw" or "Blah."
SP: [shaking head and laughing more] "Aw."
G1: Last one. You've just put gas in your Smushcalade. Full, or empty?
SP: Full.
G1: Great. So your answers were: Smush... is... aw... ful.
SP: Yeah, that sounds right.
G1: Excellent.
********************************************************************
Kwame Brown
G1: Kwame, what would you say has been your greatest weakness this season?
KB: [laughing] Well, I'd probably say my free-throws.
G1: What would it cake for you to get to where you'd like to be?
KB: Excuse me?
G1: What would it take you for you get to where you'd like to be?
KB: Oh, uhm, well I guess a lot of practice.
G1: Like caking a lot of shots?
KB: Are you saying "cake?"
G1: Sorry?
KB: "Cake." Is that what you're saying?
G1: What kind of journalist do you cake me for? Are you caking me some sort of cake?
KB: Alright, this needs to stop.
G1: What the cake am I doing?
KB: Say "cake" again. I dare you.
G1: [staring blankly]
KB: Yeah, that's what I thought.
G1: Can I just ask one more thing?
KB: Make it quick.
G1: Chocolate or Vanilla, you cake-tossing bastard?
Note: At this point Kwame leaped over the table and started running towards me. Fortunately, I was prepared and hurled a basketball directly at his hands. He fumbled it several times which gave me the chance to escape.
Posted by: generic_one | May 10, 2007 at 01:09 PM
Come on now...he deserves an A...if not an A+. The man was at best 60 percent and he played as good as I've seen him play (outside of last year's playoffs).
It's remarkable to see how much LO has grown in his years here. And while undoubtedly, his trials and tribulations has shaped him...I like to think being a Laker has as well. All we ask from LO is to maximize his possibilities...and after the year he had it seems a bit much lol. Get healthy LO, things will take care of itself.
I for one am hoping we get help without having to trade LO.
P.S. Thanks for working on your right hand, and off move...it'll be one of the best things that can happen to your game lol.
Posted by: Faith | May 10, 2007 at 01:15 PM
The lakers are one team that do not know how to draft at all. Can we ever get a steal. I think I am been to harsh, because we did get farmer and Turiaf and I think those were great additions.
Thinking about the Bynum draft though I think I first hated the draft and now I finally realize I do hate that draft pick. Can you honestly belief the lakers were going to wait for him to develop while Kobe carried all the loads. We could have drafted players that were ready and had actually played organized bball for a long time. We choose on a project and someone that hadn't played bball for too long, and compounding the mistake he had not even played a single college game. I hate when teams don't pick someone that is a proven winner. Take the Jazz, they pick up players like Dee Brown that is a proven winner from Illonis. Kwame Brown is the same has Bynum, not a proven winner on any level, and at that time did not have much bball experince.
If we don't trade our draft I want some that has alot of bball experince and is a proven winner, no more guys younger than 20 on our team. We need experince more than anything.
As far as lamar I grew to love lamar especially during the playoffs. He tried and I respect that. He wants to be in LA and since he is the second leader it shows me that he does not mind player with Kobe like KL the Bit*h would have us believe on this blog. All we need is a post player that can be a second option, and I hope lamar is not part of the package.
Kwame, Bynum and the rest of the gangs except for Farmer, Turiaf and somewhat Luke can go as far as I am concerned. I do like a little bit of Shammond Williams too.
Posted by: wow | May 10, 2007 at 01:18 PM
Trading Odom in my opinion will not be a step in the right direction. This summer is going to be huge, and its seems like every player is on the market, I would like to think we can have a successful offseason
Posted by: jay el. | May 10, 2007 at 01:35 PM
Faith,
you put it on the button.
I now view Odom as a true Laker. he bled L.A. and played hurt.
The only true Lakers on the team are:
Kobe, Odom, Walton and Turiaf.
Farmar is on the cusp but hasnt paid his dues yet.
True Lakers are guys that play hart, get mad when they lose, and give tit their all. They love the jersey.
I would hate to give up any of those guys. At the very least, KEEP KOBE AND ODOM AT ALL COSTS!!!
Posted by: Korey | May 10, 2007 at 01:41 PM
Faith: Totally agree. Considering everything he's been through, you can't help but admire the guy. I'd really like to keep him around and get a legit second option so he doesn't feel pressured to score and can still do all the intangibles that he's known for.
Korey: I'd add Mihm to that list, but he hasn't played much. The guy played with more heart than Bynum and Kwame put together. Hopefully he'll be back with a vengeance and healthy for this upcoming season.
Posted by: generic_one | May 10, 2007 at 01:50 PM
korey,
"The only true Lakers on the team are:
Kobe, Odom, Walton and Turiaf."
Thanks for the chat yesterday. I'll do my best to keep the "beast" in check. I do agree with you on the above. it's not a bad nucleus. i still contend that kobe needs to a better leader and i would like to see LO or Walton become an all-star someday. i hope to see kobe average less points next year, have a career year in assists and LO/Walton/Turiaf have career years. think it'll happen??
Posted by: KL "the beast" | May 10, 2007 at 01:58 PM
Lamar Odom Report Card:
Passing B+
Rebounding A
Scoring B
Agility A-
Speed A-
Vertical B
Defense B-
Durability F+
Hustle A
Basketball IQ C+
Consistency C+
Coordination B+
Likeability/Chemistry A
Leadership A
Notes:
Final grade is B+. Injuries killed a potential all-star season for Lamar. His numbers have not really improved since his days as a Clipper, but he seems to be a different player in terms of dedication, maturity and leadership. Quitting the peace pipe might have helped. Watch out for Lamar next year, especially since (based on the interview) he finally seems to realize that he has a right hand !
Conclusion:
PASS. Lamar will hopefully be a Laker for life. He should not be included in any big trades this summer unless it involves Garnett. It does not make sense to give up Lamar and Kwame/Bynum for a player like JO or Gasol. Ideally, Lakers will trade for a #2 option, while keeping the core of Kobe and LO intact.
Posted by: mitchell | May 10, 2007 at 01:59 PM
jo,
thanks for the kind words
i am sorry you disagree with my post but maybe you should try to be more civil and less offensive. you wouldnt want us all to know you are twelve years old.
Posted by: Gabe | May 10, 2007 at 02:01 PM
If LO is trade bait, KG better be the fish they drag in. He's just too good to deal away for anything less. He says all the right things, is a leader in areas Kobe isn't, and is proud to be a Laker. He's got the skill set for the next level if not the night in and night out, injury free consistency.
If not KG, the team would be better of with a 2nd / 3rd option player playin' beside LO and 24. That's not Luke Walton or anyone else on the current roster. Hopefully a package containing Andrew and a larger salary would be enough to hook it.
Posted by: Vman | May 10, 2007 at 02:03 PM
KL "the pussy cat",
You talk smack about Kobe's game all year long, and now you say that Luke Walton is a potential all star? I can't believe I was ever arguing about basketball with you. Is this one of your "I didn't really mean it, I was just kidding" posts? IF Luke finds the right team, the best he can hope for is to make the starting five.
Posted by: mitchell | May 10, 2007 at 02:24 PM
Lamar w/out the injuries would have had an all-star season, hopefully he'll be back in Purple & gold next season. B+ The guy gave it all he could, and that's what champions are made of...
Posted by: LakerFaze | May 10, 2007 at 02:26 PM
Lamar is very injury prone. He is however, a tremendous talent, but he needs to overcome the mental barrier that prevents him from being great. I don't know if he ever will. I like his attitude and skills, but his proneness to injury; shakey confidence; lack of asertivness; moderate basketball IQ; the tendancy to always drive left; marginal post play; inability to finish and one situations; medicore free throw shooting; and moderate peremiter shooting makes him trade bait in my opinion.
Posted by: fkillah | May 10, 2007 at 02:32 PM
Vman,
Totally agree. I only include Lamar in a KG trade, and to be honest, I don't know if a KG to LA deal that included Lamar would make us better, it would only lead to things being fired up again. I truly feel that the league is no longer a 1-2 punch kind of league. You need at least three "All-Star" players out there to win.
With all that LO brings to the team, I don't think you can replace his value. The problem is people think he and Kobe should make up a 1-2 punch strong enough to win rings. That just can't happen. As part of a trio, be it a top guy, a #2 or a #3, I love Lamar's game.
I for one think we can get a player to round out that trio by using Kwame and/or Bynum with draft picks. Let's see if Kupchak can make it happen.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 10, 2007 at 02:32 PM
WOW ......great post.....but i think gasol was out with a bum ankle when they won that title
Posted by: Thirty 2 | May 10, 2007 at 02:34 PM
A healthy Lamar on the court is a monster. But that means healthy physically and with a desire to rip sh-t up!
Here's to a better summer than the last!
- Miguelinho
Posted by: Miguelinho | May 10, 2007 at 02:40 PM
We cannot trade Lamar. I would rather see kobe go than lamar.
Posted by: Gabe | May 10, 2007 at 12:43 PM
I think you got carried away with your praise for Lamar. He can be good (has been the expectation as being the "Pippen")but has never been consistent. I don't need to regurgitate his season long inconsistences. He played hurt in the playoffs and you want him over Kobe? Geeeezzz. Yes, that is dumb.
Posted by: Lakergurl | May 10, 2007 at 02:42 PM
Here's a trade that I think both teams make and make sense for both:
Lakers trade:
Andrew Bynum
Jordan Farmar
no. 19
Atlanta trades (based on falling out of top 3 and getting 11th in the draft):
Josh Smith
Salim Stoudamire
No. 11 pick
Atlanta's two biggest needs are center and PG. Done. Lakers need a defensive athletic guy who can guard a wing player, block some shots, grab some boards, and score without the ball in his hands. Josh Smith works perfectly. Stoudamire is a shoot first PG, but isn't that what the Triangle asks for?
Now, you might say Smith is a cornerstone of their franchise, and that might have been true, but he's due for a big extension and has had run ins with the coach and they are a bit weary about giving him big money right now.
Obviously we can package the No. 11 pick and Kwame for something else if we want, or we can ride "Contract Year Kwame" until the trade deadline, hopes he plays for big money and if he's good, we win, and if he sucks, we deal him for a good player from a team looking to dump cap space and use that dude for a run at the playoffs.
I think a Kobe-LO-Smith combo is a good place to start, and if you bring in one or two smart vets you can really field a competitive team right away, while still securing the future.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 10, 2007 at 02:43 PM
Wow,
Look at it this way. Say Bynum entered the draft last year, the Lakers would have never got him b/c he would have been a high selection. Now that we have him, he makes for excellent trade bait. The problem is that if we keep him (which I don't want), we are stuck with the next Kwame Brown. If we trade him, we can upgrade our roster immediately. I'm glad that we have him as trade bait, but will only be satisfied if Jim Buss trades his puppy bull dog go for a grown rottweiler.
Posted by: fkillah | May 10, 2007 at 02:44 PM
LO earned an A- or B+ just for being a warrior and playing hurt at the level that he did. I agree with those who say he should be a Laker 4 Life.
We are too thin to think we could ever get equal value by trading for Lamar, because then we'd be back where we started. LO for KG would still leave the team with only two scorers.
Kobe and Lamar need a dependable #3 -- even better would be a dependable #2, as Lamar would be more comfortable in the role of #3.
Jim Buss' pet project, young Drew Bynum needs to be the #1 trade bait, so we can become a contender again quickly. By the time he matures sufficiently, the team can find another option. Package Bynum with Cook and someone else, plus maybe a draft pick and we'd have a shot at someone who can help the team now.
LO is much like D-Fish (come back, please!), and deserving of Laker Love.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 10, 2007 at 02:45 PM
SHAQ TRADE RUMORS SURFACE
Despite Pat Riley's insistence that "Shaq isn't going anywhere"
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6791908?MSNHPHMA
Tony Reali and the Around the Horn crew on ESPN made the correct assessment saying that the Heat will certainly, in a year of rebuilding, consider the option.
So here's the question, then. If Kobe and Phil Jackson can kiss and make up, even after Phil's book blasted Kobe, then why couldn't Kobe and Shaq put the past behind them and bring Shaq home?
Despite what many have said, Shaquille obviously can still dominate a game, and his and Kobe's "window" of opportuinty are pretty much the same, maybe 3 or 4 more years. So why not bring Shaq daddy home, and return the championship trophy to it's rightful home, in Dr. Buss's glass cabinet?
Hmmmmmmm..... Interesting.
Posted by: adam i | May 10, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Andrew Z,
I love that scenario, but it ain't happenin'. If Atlanta makes that trade, none of Atlanta's season ticket holders are going to renew. He is adored in Atlanta and his upside is limitless. He seems pretty untouchable to me.
Posted by: mitchell | May 10, 2007 at 02:58 PM
Andrew Z -- I think you're wrong about the Triangle needing a "shoot-first" PG. The Triangle requires ball movement, with the PG being the #4 or #5 option. Farmar requires some improvement in his shooting stats, but we saw glimmers that he can rise to the occasion, and his ball movement fits the Lakers perfectly. His basketball IQ is excellent, something that the Triangle absolutely requires.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 10, 2007 at 03:02 PM
mitchell, wassup!! Shaq's ass still smells. what i'm saying is i would like to see kobe make all-stars out of ordinary players (or at least try). luke has a good game if you hadn't noticed. i know i talk a lot of crap, but what i really would like to see is kobe elevate the games of others. we all know kob can get his own, but now he needs to display some qualities "like mike" and other greats. hey, how much you wanna bet that LBJ can make an all-star out of guys that would typically be role players (like Pavlovic)?? What about Nash?? Funny how ordinary players get nominated on good teams to the all-star games. remember, it's the coaches who vote for reserves. My problem with kobe at the helm hasn't been the way HE PLAYS INDIVIDUALLY, i want kobe to LEAD A TEAM. it takes more than just putting up numbers...........you dig?? you ain't mad at me are you?? korey is.....
hey pussy cat is pretty funny. keepem' coming.
Posted by: KL "the beast" | May 10, 2007 at 03:03 PM
adam i,
"So here's the question, then. If Kobe and Phil Jackson can kiss and make up, even after Phil's book blasted Kobe, then why couldn't Kobe and Shaq put the past behind them and bring Shaq home?"
First, welcome to the blog. Second, ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!!!? You think Shaq-Granddaddy's going to come back after being knifed in the back, front, side, and up his ass by kobe and the laker management?? You're crazier than me.
Again, welcome to the blog.
Posted by: KL "the beast" | May 10, 2007 at 03:07 PM
Well - in terms of heart, if anyone on this team has it, Lamar has it. He proved himself in this series, carrying himself with dignity and enduring such a terrible loss with Jayden, not to mention all the injuries.
I don't know what the FO is going to do, but I hope they keep him. Obviously they'll do what's best for the franchise. I hope he has a great summer, doesn't need surgery, and that he'll get through the anniversary of his sons death with God's help. It's unimaginable losing your child, and I know basketball for him doesn't compare.
Posted by: LongtimeLakerLover | May 10, 2007 at 03:08 PM
Rick: You're absolutely correct. The ideal Triangle oriented point guard would be one who can pass, but he also needs to be a sharp-shooter from the outside.
Posted by: generic_one | May 10, 2007 at 03:12 PM
KL: You've got to at least be willing to admit that Shaq had a lot to do with all the problems. I've agreed somewhat with what you've said about Kobe, but I think you tend to put too much blame on him. In my eyes, PJ, Kobe, and Shaq were all equally responsible for the Laker blowup. They all behaved like children at one point or another.
Posted by: generic_one | May 10, 2007 at 03:15 PM
Andrew Z, I would still prefer Kirlenko. I just think he can be solid on this team, he brings about equal offensively, and way more defensively than our starter this year. I like it though, thinking outside the box
Posted by: Jay El. | May 10, 2007 at 03:21 PM
Jim Buss just said in his interview today on 570 that he would be willing to trade Bynum if it meant getting an all star.
Garnett
helpkobe.com
getgarnett.com
BRYANT/GARNETT '07
Posted by: King Lakernidas | May 10, 2007 at 03:21 PM
lol KL the Beast. Thanks for the welcome, and yes, i am out of my mind, but it's such a pleasant way to live. after all, if any offseason were one for dreamers, this one certainly is it, as i think is obvious by many of these posts i've read.
FREE SHAQUILLE!
generic_one is absolutely right. they all acted like children, but PJ and Kobe grew up. I'm just wondering if Shaq couldn't do the same. It may be insane, lol, but it's sure a fun idea.
:)
Posted by: adam i | May 10, 2007 at 03:23 PM
I really believe that in order to have a successful offseason we need to stay in touch with what Seattle is doing with their players. The reason I say that is, although I am not a Rashard Lewis fan, he can play a big part in a three team trade. That may be the only way to give the team we want to deal with enough talent to want to give us the players that we want.
And in the case Seattle would want to build around Rashard, we can definitely look to get Earl Watson, or even Ray Allen with some creativity.
We could potentially land the player we want and still have Bynum and LO. Obviously the Odd player out would be Kwame.
Posted by: Jay El. | May 10, 2007 at 03:28 PM
Yeah
Kobe
Shaq
LO
Phil
That would be very FUN!
Posted by: Jay El. | May 10, 2007 at 03:31 PM
mitchell,
"If Atlanta makes that trade, none of Atlanta's season ticket holders are going to renew"
I'm sure all three of them will get over it.
Jay El,
I would much rather have AK-47, without a doubt, and there might have been a slim chance of Utah dealing him in the offseason since he had a rough one this year playing in the same line-up as Boozer, but he's been amazing in the playoffs thus far and I think they would only trade him for some absolutely fantastic package (one we can't offer).
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 10, 2007 at 03:32 PM
G_O,
"You've got to at least be willing to admit that Shaq had a lot to do with all the problems."
I will stipulate that shaq was at fault too. PJ's hard to say, but he could have step in between the 2 before it got out of hand.
I will admit i put too much of the blame on kobe. lets say hypothetically, kobe had nothing to do with it, why not sign kobe, then trade shaq (exilced's argument)? that way the lakers can at least get something in return for shaq at the later part of his prime. lakers got absoluately nothing comparable and bad long-term contracts to boot ensuring the demise of a quick rebuilding period. bad deal oveall, even for kid kobe (who, BTW, is becoming old quick)......especially 3 years of losing. i don't want kid kobe to turn out like KG. kobe's lucky to have at least enjoyed winning championships. BTW, where's my list?? just kidding.
Posted by: KL "the beast" | May 10, 2007 at 03:32 PM
Rick Friedman,
I like Farmar, but I see him more on the career level of Earl Watson/Speedy Claxton type then on the Chris Paul/Tony Parker type.
As for having a high basketball IQ to play in the Triangle, I just heard Phil Jackson say it really doesn't take a genius to play. It's about moving the ball, spacing, and cutting. Eventually you can get it.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 10, 2007 at 03:35 PM
and you know, kevin garnett won't neccessarily solve all our problems. lots of 2 star teams still can't get it done.
Posted by: adam i | May 10, 2007 at 03:39 PM
"Here's a trade that I think both teams make and make sense for both:
Lakers trade:
Andrew Bynum
Jordan Farmar
no. 19
Atlanta trades (based on falling out of top 3 and getting 11th in the draft):
Josh Smith
Salim Stoudamire
No. 11 pick
Atlanta's two biggest needs are center and PG. Done. Lakers need a defensive athletic guy who can guard a wing player, block some shots, grab some boards, and score without the ball in his hands. Josh Smith works perfectly. Stoudamire is a shoot first PG, but isn't that what the Triangle asks for?"
I think you are seriously undervaluing our guys here. The upside between Bynum and Smith and Stoudamire and Farmar is not even close.
Smith is an athletic freak and can cause defensive havok. But he's an extremely inefficient offensive player (.439 fg% for a dunker and 3.2 topg) and would be lost in the triangle. Pair him with a Steve Nash where he can be a finisher and he's a plus. Put him in the hub of the triangle where he'd need to make decisions and he's a negative. Regardless of his talent, Smith will never be a 7'1" pure center with a soft touch. Sure Bynum is not as energetic as Smith, but he's certainly as effective as Smith was at the same age: (Smith's and Bynum's per48 numbers are very similar at age 19). While Bynum can easily increase the energy level that he puts out, Smith will never be able to grow into being a center.
As far as Stoudamire is concerned, it's true that he's shoots first (he's hardly a pg, though; really we should say that he's just someone who guards the 1 spot). That doesn't mean he shoots the ball well, however, putting up a meager .415 fg% and only a slightly above average .365 3fg%. Farmar, who is not a known as a shooter like Stoudamire, still managed to put up a higher fg% (.422 fg%). More importantly, Farmar is a real 1 and at age 20 is already a better all-around and more effective player than Stoudamire is at age 24 (Farmar's Roland Rating this year was -1.6, while Stoudamire's was -2.8).
Posted by: Sean P. | May 10, 2007 at 03:43 PM
Lamar Odom is an underachiever. He's popular in Lakerland because people feel sorry for him. As power forwards go, he's a decent to good player; nothing great.
He's just like Luke Walton; two players who are popular for reasons other than their basketball skills. SF's in the league run circles around Luke...no one complains. Luke scoring percentage during the playoffs was 7 measly points...no one complains. In game 2 with the Suns, the guy gets almost as many turnovers as he does points...no one complains. Golden Boy is nothing but a popular scrub. He's not even close to having the skills as a starting SF in the NBA. If he can't be used off the bench, send his Golden Boy butt to the CBA. He's a poorboy's Mike Dunleavy and is ineffective as a starter.
Truth hurts, don't it.
Posted by: troy | May 10, 2007 at 03:46 PM
Jay El: I've been living up in Seattle now for about nine months, so I've been able to keep pretty close tabs on local news and all signs point to them re-signing Shard. Everybody likes him here and with it still looking pretty likely that the Sonics are going to stick around (though they'll probably move to Bellevue/Renton), they won't have too much of a shake-up this off-season. They really don't have any use for Kwame seeing as they have Wilcox and a bunch of other young bigs with "potential" and now that Hill has been fired, Watson is fairly likely to stick around.
Posted by: generic_one | May 10, 2007 at 03:52 PM
You know I find it very interesting and sad when someone has an opinion thats not popular here ( aka trade kobe and keep lamar) they are belittled and called idiots.
Everyone here has opinions of how to improve the lakers team. Thats all they are opinions, and making personal attacks against someone who has an opinion is classless and counter productive.
Posted by: Laker Lover | May 10, 2007 at 04:00 PM
KL "the pussy cat":
-Nobody in the history of the league or the universe could have made Luke Walton, Kwame, Cook, Shammond, Smush or Sasha into all-stars, not even Magic on sterioids, no matter how hard they "try". If you watched all the games, you would know that Kobe did "try" to be the fascillitator most of the year.
-Pavlovic is not "average". He is a promising young player with more potential than at least 65% of our roster. But YES, I will bet you that Pavlovic will not become an all-star. How much? Hughs was a potential all-star when he came to the Cavs. What about now? Izlauskas WAS an all-star until LBJ came along. Your arguments have no merit.
-I am not saying Kobe does not have some faults, but trying to blame Kobe for not turning Luke into an all-star is just completely outrageous. Did you ever consider that maybe he DID turn Luke into a better player? If there is anything else you would like to blame on Kobe, say it now, or forever hold your peace! Kwame's hands perhaps? Smush's attitude? Lamar's right hand? Cook's agility? Luke's defense? Cupake's free agents? Shaq's fat azz?
Posted by: mitchell | May 10, 2007 at 04:01 PM
Jay El,
I agree with your "stick with Seattle" plan. If that team is looking to move and rebuild, they'll be looking to dump salary.
I want Gerald Wallace but I know MJ would never take Kwame back. Charlotte has mentioned wanting Rashard Lewis.
How about this:
Rashard Lewis and Andrew Bynum to Charlotte
Gerald Wallace and Nick Collison to LA
Kwame Brown and No.19 to Seattle
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 10, 2007 at 04:03 PM